The police seized two handguns in separate overnight incidents, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.

Police officers seized the first handgun during an investigation that started in the area of 700 East 19th Street at around 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, when a black Ford Taurus was observed going the wrong way.

Detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, police were struck by odor of brunt marijuana. Further investigation led to the seizure of a loaded 9 mm handgun from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The driver, Hector Trujillo, 20, of Paterson, was arrested and charged with firearms offenses, possession of stolen property, and motor vehicle violations. Police said the recovered gun was reported stolen out of North Carolina.

Detectives Anthony Nestico and Ismael Kivanc were responsible for the arrest.

Police officers seized the second handgun when they responded to report of shots fired in the area of 600 River Street at around 12:25 a.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, police officers observed three males standing across the street from where shots were fired.

A man in the group, later identified as Ronnie Amparo, 20, of Paterson, put something into his pocket as officers approached to investigate. He then ran from the officers on foot.

Detectives Nestico, Kivanc, and officer John Sanabria gave chase. While he fled on 6th Avenue, Amparo had a gun in his hand — a police officer observed the weapon and immediately warned his fellow law enforcement officers.

Amparo threw the handgun onto the roof of a building as he fled from police. Kivanc stopped chasing to secure the area where the weapon was tossed, but Sanabria and Nestico continued to run behind the suspect.

Amparo was arrested by Sanabria and Nestico on 6th Avenue and East 11th Street, police said.

Police recovered the .380 caliber loaded handgun from the roof with assistance from the Paterson Fire Department.